Puducherry elections 2026: Robot ‘Nila’ welcomes voters as polling begins in the Union Territory

Voting for the 2026 assembly elections in Puducherry began at 7 am on Wednesday, with a unique attraction drawing attention at a polling booth in the VOC Government School, where a robot named “Nila” welcomed voters arriving to cast their ballots.

As per the Election Commission of India, voter turnout in Puducherry stood at 17.41% till 9 am.

The robot, decked up and holding a flower tray, greeted voters as they entered the polling station, adding an unusual touch to the electoral process.



Around 9.5 lakh voters are eligible to decide the fate of 294 candidates across 30 constituencies in Puducherry and its enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam.

Also Read: Puducherry Assembly Elections 2026 voter turnout: Check the latest updates

Polling is being conducted across 1,099 stations, of which 209 have been identified as vulnerable, officials said. Special arrangements include 30 all-women polling booths and 15 managed by young officers.

The election is witnessing a direct contest between the AINRC–BJP-led NDA headed by chief minister N Rangasamy and the Congress–DMK alliance. A key battle is unfolding in Thattanchavady, where Rangasamy is pitted against former chief minister V Vaithilingam.

Key issues in the election include the long-pending demand for statehood, unemployment and water contamination. The entry of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is also being seen as a factor that could influence outcomes. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.